Pennine Bridleway – Matlock to Kirkby Stephen Summary Duration: It’s difficult to describe just how amazing this mountain biking route is! The trails 4 or 5 days of sublime mountain are just as varied as the stunning landscapes you’ll be biking through; from biking steep, rocky tracks through the impressive Peak District to grassy singletrack 5 or 6 nights’ comfortable snaking through the imposing Yorkshire Dales. The Pennine Bridleway rarely accommodation ventures onto tarmac so this is probably the longest continuous off-road mountain biking route this country has to offer. Join us on the trip of a lifetime Total Distance: along the backbone of England on a truly unforgettable biking adventure! 283 km or 175 miles Highlights Includes: Mountain biking the length of the Pennines, the ‘Backbone of England’ 5 or 6 nights in quality guest Panoramic views over Greater Manchester from the High Peak District houses or small hotels Weird and wonderful limestone landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales Biking the longest continuous off-road mountain biking route in the UK Comprehensive maps and GPX Picnicking overlooking the Ribblehead viaduct, dating back to the 1870’s files Baggage transfers Example 4-Day Itinerary Vehicle back up or phone Day 1. You can either arrive directly at Matlock or leave a car in Kirkby Stephen support and we’ll transport you to Matlock, ready to begin your adventure! One way transfer from Kirkby Day 2. Matlock to Glossop - 74 km/46 miles; 1010 metres of ascent Stephen to Matlock, either at the Beginning at Middleton Top along easy-going disused railway, the trail beginning or end of the trip immediately provides stunning views over the lovely Peak District countryside. Don’t be lulled in though because the going soon becomes steeper and rockier Available on request: as the route snakes its way through the Peak District National Park. The High Pick up and drop off at other Peak District lives up to its name and the trails reach a height of 450 metres public transport links above sea level before dropping down into Glossop for the night. Bike and equipment hire Day 3. Glossop to Hebden Bridge - 61 km/38 miles; 1535 metres of ascent Grade: There’s no getting away from it – this is a tough day of biking following the Technical Grading: Red/Black constantly undulating terrain of the Northern Peaks. Technical off-road trails lead through the satellite villages surrounding Manchester but you’ll still feel as Dates: though you’re in the back of beyond. There’s little in the way of relief from the Guided, self-guided and fully relentlessly steep climbs and descents but you’re rewarded with a blistering supported trips are available descent, not to mention a tasty meal and comfy bed awaiting in Hebden Bridge. between March and October for Day 4. Hebden Bridge to Settle - 76 km/47 miles; 1695 metres of ascent groups of 2 or more. Contact us You’ll get the biggest challenge of the day out of the way early on with a with the dates you have in mind. gruelling climb out of the Calder Valley. Again, the terrain continually undulates as you skirt around the reservoirs that supply water to the Greater Manchester What bike? area and the views from the moors 7are stunning.Stanes Soon you’ll Skills leave the brightWeekend The trails in the Pennines can be lights behind as you venture north into the Yorkshire Dales. Farmland tracks ridden on a standard hardtail. A full and trails lead you ever northward to your destination in Settle, a lovely suspension bike will make the Yorkshire market town. riding more manageable and comfortable! Day 5. Settle to Kirkby Stephen - 72 km/45 miles; 1800 metres of ascent The scenery today is top-notch and the biking is sublime. Views of Ingleborough To make a booking or for more and Pen-y-ghent give way to weird and wonderful limestone landscapes as you information: bike north through the Dales National Park. The trails keep you well away from Email us: [email protected] tarmac and civilisation until you descend into Kirkby Stephen for a well-earned Phone us: +44 (0)7922 653327 or pint! Congratulations, you’ve completed the Pennine Bridleway!! +44 (0)141 6286676 Pennine Bridleway - Extra Information Accommodation and food We use only tried and tested accommodation providers on our trips, many that we have worked with for years, so that we know that you will receive an excellent level of service. They provide everything you could need after a long day in the saddle from bike storage to hot showers, hearty breakfasts and comfortable beds. Accommodation in guest houses and hotels is always on a bed and breakfast basis and trip prices are based on two people sharing a room, unless otherwise arranged. Most of our accommodation is en-suite and we will let you know if it is not possible to book en-suite rooms. Wifi is now also pretty much universal in every location. If you would prefer hostel or bunkhouse style accommodation, breakfast is not included although most bunkhouses can provide meals at an additional charge. Bunkhouses will often have cooking facilities so that you can prepare your own meals if you’d prefer. Wherever you stay you will be able to get an evening meal at a pub or restaurant within walking distance. Lunches can usually be bought during the course of the day as you will be passing through towns or villages. It is advisable to carry plenty of snacks with you each day to keep the energy levels up! Sole occupancy rooms are usually available in hotels or guest houses so please ask us if you’d prefer to have your own room. A single supplement from £30 per person, per night will apply. Clothing and kit North West England receives a generally mild climate all year round with the Gulf Stream passing our western coastline. However, conditions can and do change quickly especially on higher and more exposed areas. It can rain at any time of year, sometimes all day and we often get four seasons in a day, so come prepared! A full kit list is available on our website (http://www.trailbrakes.co.uk/kit-list-equipment-recommendations). General climatic information for the Yorkshire Dales is available here: http://www.yorkshiredales- stay.co.uk/weather.html. Up-to-the-minute weather forecasts for specific regions of the UK are available at the met office website (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/). It is advisable to bring a small back-pack (between 15 and 20 litre capacity) with you on your trip, in which you can carry spare clothes and basic spares and tools that you might need during the course of a day on the bikes. In some cases, where we will be riding in wilderness for the full day, food and drink will also need to be carried. The trails There is almost every type of trail imaginable on this trip, from purpose built cycle paths to ancient roads, forestry trails and miles of superb single-track. The surfaces are all generally hard packed or rocky. Some parts are technically challenging so off-road experience is required. This trip has a Fitness Grading of 8 which means that you should have a high level of fitness and stamina from regularly taking part in cycling-based activities. You are comfortable riding for up to 10 hours per day. The route will include sections of physically demanding terrain including long, steep climbs on rocky surfaces. This trip has a Technical Grading of Red/Black, meaning that the route is only suitable for very experienced mountain bikers. Trails can be steep and rough with challenging technical sections including large rocks and water crossings. This trip is only suitable for bikers with excellent off-road biking skills. Self guided trips Our self guided trips are the most popular choice and are designed for cyclists who are comfortable carrying their own basic tools and spares along with them each day so that they can fix any minor technical issues encountered along the route (punctures etc.). For our self guided trips we will provide you with everything included in our fully supported trips except the vehicle back-up service. We will organise quality accommodation, bag transfers each day, detailed information about the route, official maps of the route, pick- up and drop-off at locations convenient for your travel plans and a comprehensive list of bike shops that are located along the Coast and Castles route. We will always be only a phone call away should you require any additional advice/support so you’ll never be truly on your own! Fully supported trips Our fully supported cycling trips are designed to provide you with a completely hassle-free biking holiday experience. We will organise every aspect of your trip including quality accommodation, bag transfers each day, detailed information about the route, official maps of the route, pick up and drop off at locations convenient for your travel plans and full support from our friendly, knowledgeable back-up team in case of technical (or physical!) emergencies. We will provide a back-up vehicle full of spares and tools to carry your baggage between your accommodation each day. Our drivers are proficient bike mechanics so will be able to help you out with common technical problems. If the issue is a bit more serious, they will be able to take your bike to a local bike shop for some TLC. Their main aim is to keep you and your bike on the road! Bike hire We work with local bike shops to provide you with the latest bikes for hire.